Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (April 7, 2020)

Action:  Submit registration information for repatriation flight, April 10  

The U.S. Embassy is organizing a special repatriation flight to the U.S. on April 10, expected to depart in the early afternoon.  Specific details on the flight will be sent to confirmed passengers. The Embassy cannot guarantee that future flights will be available.

If you are interested in returning to the United States on this repatriation flight, you must complete the required information requested in the travel request form.  Please include all requested information.  If you have already submitted a form, do not submit a new request.  The Embassy will use information collected in this form to send information to confirmed passengers.  

Each family member must complete a separate form.  Please note that sending an e-mail to the freetownevac@state.gov e-mail box will not reserve a seat on any upcoming flights.  All passengers must complete the required form using the link above.  You do not need to contact us separately to inform us of the completed travel request form. 

American citizens will receive priority for boarding this flight, with individuals over the age of 65 and minor children traveling with families given first consideration.  Seats on this flight are not guaranteed.  Interested individuals must submit their information no later than Wednesday, April 8.

If passengers have made a reservation with the Satguru travel agency for the Ethiopian Air flight and would like to switch to this flight, please submit the required form (using the link above).  You will be able to get a refund from the travel agency from Wednesday, April 8, when the lockdown is scheduled to be lifted.  There is the possibility of another flight arranged through Satguru in the near future, but it is not guaranteed.

Please consider the following information in your decision to complete the form: 

  1. Tickets for the April 10 flight cost approximately $2,400.  All passengers will be required to sign a promissory note for the expense of the flight and must pay for the flight upon their return to the United States.  Passengers will receive repayment information upon their return to the United States.

  1. Travelers will be responsible for booking onward travel from Dulles Airport, located in the Washington, D.C. area, to their final destination. The Embassy is not able to assist with these onward reservations.  This additional travel will be at your own expense.

  1. Unaccompanied minor children are not able to fly alone on this flight and must be accompanied by an adult who has status to enter the United States.

  1. Depending on your personal/financial situation and support network, sheltering in place in Sierra Leone may be an option.  However, you should be prepared to do so for an indefinite amount of time.

Actions to Take:

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.

Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Sierra Leone.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.

Visit the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health website for COVID information.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone

Southridge, Hill Station

+(232) 99 105 5000

consularfreetown@state.gov